My 380SL won't start!

[WillsBenz]

I need some help!

I have a 1985 380SL that was made in Germany and shiped to the U.S. I got the car from my uncle, so this is the first Benz I have ever owned. The car ran perfect the other day when I parked it. I got in and tried to start it, but it just turns over. I then opened the hood to investigate and this is what I have:

First I checked for fuel delivery on the fuel rail and found pressure. I can also hear the fuel pump operate. I checked for spark, which there was none. I checked the coil, primary side has voltage, secondary side has just enough to illuminate the test light with the engine turning over. I checked all of the fuses, also re-seated all of the relays, still nothing. I tried using other keys, disconnecting the battery. As for a security system, the car has a factory installed digi keypad which you type in a code to arm/disarm the system. When the system is alarming the ignition is cut, so you can not turn over the engine. Once reset you can turn over the engine.

Any help on this would be greatly appriciated. Since this is my first Mercedes, I do not have any technical knowledge about this car.

[rcs2jr]

did you get any help on this? my car did the same exact thing yesterday

[rcs2jr]

if anyone could give me an idea it would be appreciated. i seem to have fuel but no spark. i drove it to a store yesterday. went inside for 15 minutes, came out and it only turns over. I flatbedded it home and now it sits in the garage.

[david s poole]

test for spark,most probably the ignition unit that sits inside drivers fender.silver box somtimes has green dot on top with two plugs in the bottom. these units are available as rebuilts. they suffer from heat when the ignition is left on without engine running.i think it is one of the output transistors that dies.

[anakngpari]

David S Poole, I just found out that I'm not getting any spark on my plugs and Ignition coil. Tested coil to be good so I suspect it to be an ICU issue (unless you have some more idea for me to check). Can you please give me instructions on how to test the Ignition Control module on my 1985 380SL. Another thing I want to ask in I can switch the ICM of my 1980 450SLC to my 1985 380SL just to troubleshoot my problem. Thanks and Regards

[W Black]

My '82 380SL did the same thing a few years ago - ran fine when parked then would not start. It was the ICM. Got one from a 380SEL out of a junk yard for $50. The distributer did go out one time resulting in no spark, got one from Auto Zone for $14. Everything is working fine as of now.

[ctaylor738]

About all you can do to test is check for power and ground, plus connectivity on all wires, especially the green one to the coil.

If everything checks out, then you need to try another unit.

I don't know about the older unit - I personally would spring for the correct used one. Try car-part. com.

[Tims450SL]

Originally Posted by WillsBenz

I need some help!

I have a 1985 380SL that was made in Germany and shiped to the U.S. I got the car from my uncle, so this is the first Benz I have ever owned. The car ran perfect the other day when I parked it. I got in and tried to start it, but it just turns over. I then opened the hood to investigate and this is what I have:

First I checked for fuel delivery on the fuel rail and found pressure. I can also hear the fuel pump operate. I checked for spark, which there was none. I checked the coil, primary side has voltage, secondary side has just enough to illuminate the test light with the engine turning over. I checked all of the fuses, also re-seated all of the relays, still nothing. I tried using other keys, disconnecting the battery. As for a security system, the car has a factory installed digi keypad which you type in a code to arm/disarm the system. When the system is alarming the ignition is cut, so you can not turn over the engine. Once reset you can turn over the engine.

Any help on this would be greatly appriciated. Since this is my first Mercedes, I do not have any technical knowledge about this car.

Hi- Since these cars are so intricate it could be a fuel relay. I just went thru this and i replaced the filter, fuel pump, fuel regulator, and alos did a plug and air filter replacement since I just got the car from a 1 year rest in a garage. Mine now runs like a champ. I have had these SL's for 20 years. I would ask this question: Did the car run bad? was it hesitating? Did it ever just not start before and then start? If the fuel pump on these ars are not at 100% the car will waste gas, and not run properly. It seems you tried troubleshooting everything. Here is a master who you should call, as he runs a parts shop in ftlauderdale florida, and he ships anywheres. He gets anything in one day I have a 75 SL at current and he is the best. Mike @ Overseas Parts 954.561.9300

[ctaylor738]

WillsBenz -

How did you test for spark?

How did you test for fuel pressure?

When do you hear the fuel pump running? Is it running while the starter is cranking?